By By Kristian Alexander Special to Gulf News
In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a regional leader in promoting inclusion and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Breaking away from traditional terms like 鈥渄isabled鈥 or 鈥渉andicapped,鈥 the UAE adopted the more dignified and aspirational label 鈥淧eople of Determination鈥 (PoD), a reflection of the nation鈥檚 belief in the potential and resilience of this community. This terminological shift reflects a broader national policy agenda centred on empowerment, accessibility, and participation in all aspects of life.National commitment to empowermentUnder the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the country has prioritised the integration of PoD through strategic frameworks and laws. In 2017, the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination was launched, aiming to secure equal rights and opportunities across education, employment, healthcare, and public services.This inclusive philosophy is embedded in the UAE鈥檚 legal and policy architecture. Federal Law No. 29 of 2006, concerning the Rights of Persons with Special Needs, and subsequent policies like the 2017 empowerment strategy, establish a clear mandate to prevent discrimination, ensure access, and provide high-quality services. Initiatives such as the People of Determination Card, accessible transport options, and adapted infrastructure further demonstrate the government鈥檚 commitment to building a barrier-free environment that supports full societal participation..How Abu Dhabi and Dubai became the world鈥檚 most secure cities.At the centre of these efforts is the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO). ZHO provides care, rehabilitation, and empowerment services while also advocating for equal access to opportunities. More than a service provider, ZHO plays an essential role in promoting a rights-based, inclusive vision for PoD. Importantly, it emphasises the diversity within the PoD community, thereby acknowledging that no two experiences are the same and that personalised support is critical.ZHO also leads on public awareness and international engagement. It regularly participates in global forums such as the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and has introduced innovative tools like a digital sign language dictionary. Through these efforts, ZHO acts as a crucial bridge between People of Determination and various societal institutions, including the justice and law enforcement sectors.Challenges in law enforcement interactionsPolice officers are often the first point of contact between the state and the public, including People of Determination. These encounters, however, can present challenges, primarily around communication and the misinterpretation of behaviour..Resilient by design: How NCEMA shapes emergency preparedness in the UAE.For instance, individuals with hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorders may struggle to understand police instructions, particularly in stressful situations. Similarly, police may misread non-verbal cues, such as lack of eye contact, unusual body language, or delayed responses, as suspicious or non-compliant behaviour. These misunderstandings can quickly escalate, placing both officers and PoD at risk.For those with conditions such as cerebral palsy or neurological disorders, responding to commands may require more time or support. Without proper training, officers might interpret these delays as defiance rather than a symptom of the individual鈥檚 condition. This gap in understanding underscores the need for dedicated training and adapted procedures to ensure respectful and safe interactions.Training and inclusive practices in the UAE police forcesRecognising these challenges, both the Dubai Police and Abu Dhabi Police have taken notable steps to strengthen their engagement with PoD through specialised training, awareness programmes, and cross-sector partnerships.Dubai Police have implemented e-learning modules and awareness sessions developed in partnership with disability advocates and experts. The International Centre for Security and Safety offers targeted courses on appropriate communication, de-escalation techniques, and identification of hidden disabilities. One standout initiative is the use of the sunflower lanyard, which discreetly signals non-visible disabilities and helps officers approach with understanding and patience.Abu Dhabi Police, working with ZHO and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, have also pioneered training efforts. A flagship example is the 鈥淰irtual Check-in Scenario鈥 at the Al Karamah Training Institute, which prepares autistic individuals for navigating airport procedures. This not only educates PoD but also familiarises law enforcement with practical, real-world interaction scenarios.Beyond training, both forces have launched workshops on etiquette, basic sign language, and Braille reading and writing, and are appointing disability liaison officers to serve as dedicated contacts within police departments. These efforts signal a broader shift toward institutionalizing accessibility and inclusion in policing.A holistic, rights-based visionThrough forward-looking legislation, inclusive infrastructure, and enhanced police training, the UAE is gradually building a justice system that is more empathetic, accessible, and equitable. The emphasis on education, tailored support, and multi-stakeholder cooperation, particularly with organisations like ZHO, is key to this transformation.As these reforms continue to take root, the focus must remain on refining protocols, collecting data on police-PoD interactions, and including PoD voices in future policy development. By doing so, the UAE can ensure that People of Determination navigate every aspect of public life, including encounters with law enforcement, with dignity, respect, and full recognition of their individual strengths..Dr Kristian Alexander is a Senior Fellow at the Rabdan Security and Defence Institute (RSDI), Abu Dhabi, UAE